Psychological Impact of Weight Loss in HIV and AIDS: An Exploratory Study of Seropositive Non-IVDU Men

Rai-Chaudhuri, Naomi (1996) Psychological Impact of Weight Loss in HIV and AIDS: An Exploratory Study of Seropositive Non-IVDU Men. D Clin Psy thesis, University of Glasgow.

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Abstract

Weight loss is a major clinical consequence of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Whilst the medical aspects of weight loss have been relatively well documented, there is a dearth of literature relating to the psychological impact of weight loss in HIV infection. The purpose of this paper was to review the scarce literature on psychological aspects of weight loss which is primarily descriptive and concerned with seropositive males. There is tentative evidence to suggest that weight loss has psychological and social implications for patients and their families or carers. Weight loss causes feelings of unattractiveness, feelings of stigma and fears that being very thin will cause others to suspect seropositivity. Weight loss is also psychologically associated with illness progression and may lessen perceived control over illness. Pre-existing attitudes to weight loss are assumed to be important especially where the patient has a history of an eating disorder. It is concluded that the psychology of weight loss in HIV/AIDS is an underresearched area and further research is required to improve psychological and dietetic interventions.

Item Type: Thesis (D Clin Psy)
Qualification Level: Doctoral
Additional Information: Adviser: Anna Stallard
Keywords: Clinical psychology
Date of Award: 1996
Depositing User: Enlighten Team
Unique ID: glathesis:1996-75776
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 19 Nov 2019 18:13
Last Modified: 19 Nov 2019 18:13
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/75776

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